IMDs in Arizona

AHCCCS covers stays in institutions for mental disease (IMDs) up to 15 days per calendar month under the “in-lieu of” authority afforded to states under the Medicaid managed care rules.

In early 2022, upon the urging of stakeholders, AHCCCS initiated discussions with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about an IMD exclusion waiver approval that includes alternative reporting and monitoring requirements that would be less burdensome to the state and providers.

Read more about waiver options in this IMDs in Arizona Medicaid white paper.